Tort reform thrust back into Senate spotlight

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, a physician by training, says his chamber of Congress will have another go at passing tort reform, as early as next week. The House has repeatedly passed proposals in recent years, only to have the Senate not pass legislation.

Speaking at a physicians' conference, Frist said that a vote would be taken April 7 on a measure that would limit non-economic damages to $250,00 in cases involving obstetricians, gynecologists and trauma doctors. Long-term care would not be included but stakeholders are hopeful that something can get the damages-limit ball rolling.

About 60,000 elderly or disabled Medicaid recipients in Louisiana are being told they should expect to lose their benefits in July, and advocates say more than a quarter of them could be forced out of the long-term care facilities they call home.